Describe the Issue or Situation.

Substance use continues to be a major public health issue that affects individuals, families, and communities across socioeconomic spectrum. Despite the availability of treatment resources, significant barriers persist that hinder access to effective support and recovery services, including stigma, lack of awareness about available resources, socioeconomic challenges, and insufficient integration of mental health care. Addressing these barriers is essential for facilitating healthier choices, improving recovery outcomes, and fostering supportive environments for those affected by substance use disorders.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

In response to the escalating substance use crisis, an innovative outreach and educational program was launched through a collaborative effort with Harrison County Extension Services (Nutrition Education Program and Family & Consumer Sciences), Harrison Memorial Hospital, Hope’s Helping Hands, Cynthiana Harrison County Public Library, Wedco Health Department, University of Kentucky Specialists, ARC Centers, Beall Recovery Center, Spero Health, Mountain Comprehensive Care, Brightview, Living Free, Jackies House, Mary’s Safe Haven, New Vista, Voice of Hope, P&N Behavioral Health, Isaiah House, and Lincoln Trail Behavioral Health. The goal was to provide comprehensive, accessible education on substance use, harm reduction, and recovery pathways to both individuals struggling with addiction and the broader community.

This multi-partner collaboration involved experts from various fields working together to address the barriers to recovery, reduce stigma, and provide life-saving knowledge to participants. The program centered around key educational initiatives, including:

1. Harm Reduction: Specialists from University of Kentucky educated participants on harm reduction strategies, emphasizing safe practices for individuals who continue to use substances. They provided practical knowledge on preventing overdose deaths and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
2. Pathways to Recovery: Sessions led by addiction specialists from the University of Kentucky explored various approaches to recovery. These included medical treatment options, support groups like Narcotics Anonymous, faith-based recovery, and holistic practices. This provided participants with a wide range of personalized options, recognizing that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process.
3. Hands-Only CPR Training: Staff from Harrison Memorial Hospital taught community members hands-only CPR, empowering participants with life-saving skills that could be vital during an overdose situation or medical emergency. This practical training emphasized how everyday citizens can take immediate action in crisis situations.
4. Narcan Administration: Another essential part of the program was training participants on how to administer Narcan (naloxone), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Wedco experts demonstrated the proper use of Narcan nasal spray, ensuring that participants could confidently administer the drug in an emergency.
5. Collaboration with Local Police Force: The local police force played an active role, sharing their experiences with the public on addressing substance use in the community. They provided insight into their changing role, focusing on compassion and collaboration in handling substance-related emergencies rather than punishment, and on how they have become part of the solution through community engagement.
6. Personal Testimonies: One of the most impactful aspects of the outreach program was personal testimonies from individuals who had experienced substance use and recovery. These stories were shared with participants to provide hope, demonstrate the possibility of recovery, and encourage empathy within the community.
7. Resource Partners were present, offering a welcoming and neutral space for the community to come together for open dialogue. These groups provided resources, reading materials, and follow-up information on topics discussed in the sessions, extending the educational impact beyond the live event.

Each partner brought their expertise, resources, and community connections, making this a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to combating substance use. By engaging participants with both education and practical skills, the program provided tools for immediate action and long-term recovery support.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

The outreach and educational program attracted nearly 70 individuals, consisting of both resource partners and community participants. The target audience and participants included:

1. Community Members: The majority of participants were individuals from Harrison County and surrounding counties, ranging from those directly affected by substance use to concerned family members, friends, and local residents seeking to support their community. This group benefited from learning about the various resources available to assist with addiction and recovery, as well as gaining practical knowledge on harm reduction and emergency interventions like administering Narcan and performing hands-only CPR.
2. Individuals in Recovery and Those Struggling with Addiction: A key part of the audience was individuals either currently facing substance use challenges or in various stages of recovery. They found valuable support in the diverse pathways to recovery discussed and benefited from the testimonies of others who had overcome addiction. The program helped reduce stigma and provided hope by showcasing that recovery is possible through multiple approaches.
3. Healthcare Professionals and First Responders: Among the participants were staff from Harrison Memorial Hospital, Wedco, and the local police force, who attended both as resource partners and learners. These professionals benefited from understanding the collaborative nature of the program and how different organizations in the community could work together to provide more holistic support to those affected by substance use.
4. Educators and Resource Providers: Resource providers gained insight into the community's needs and were able to network with other partners to improve access to resources and services. They also benefited from the program by understanding how to tailor their future outreach efforts to better serve the local population.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

Following the outreach and educational program, a participant survey was conducted to measure the impact and effectiveness of the event. The results indicated significant improvements in understanding addiction, recovery options, and practical harm reduction techniques. The key findings include:

1. 89% of participants reported having a better understanding of how addiction works. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the program’s educational sessions in breaking down misconceptions and offering a clearer view of the challenges associated with substance use disorders.
2. 85% of respondents gained a clearer comprehension of harm reduction practices, including safe practices for individuals who continue to use substances and strategies to reduce overdose risks. This reflects the program’s success in educating the community on practical ways to support harm reduction efforts.
3. An impressive 96% of participants indicated they now have a stronger grasp of various pathways to recovery. The discussions about medical treatments, support groups, and other recovery options helped participants understand that recovery is a personalized journey with multiple approaches available.
4. 83% of participants expressed feeling comfortable administering Narcan (naloxone) to someone experiencing an overdose. This highlights the effectiveness of the Narcan administration training, equipping participants with the confidence to intervene in life-threatening situations.
5. 93% of participants felt comfortable administering hands-only CPR, a skill taught by Harrison Memorial Hospital staff. This shows the practical value of the program in empowering community members to act in emergency situations.
6. 89% of respondents became more aware of the recovery support systems available within their community. This indicates that the program successfully connected participants to local resources, reducing barriers to seeking help for themselves or loved ones.
7. 94% of participants reported having a better understanding of Cooperative Extension Services, specifically in the areas of Nutrition Education and Family & Consumer Sciences. This reflects how the program was able to raise awareness about broader community services that support overall well-being, which are vital for those in recovery.

Both the resource partners and the program participants came away with a better understanding of the resources available, greater awareness of substance use and its challenges, and increased community support for those affected by addiction. The collaboration among these diverse groups helped bridge gaps in knowledge and services, ultimately fostering a more connected and supportive environment for individuals in recovery and their families.